Glasgow is a diamond in the rough; its past as an industrial city has left both positive and negative marks. You'll find beautiful old buildings, hip restaurants and stuffy bars but also visible social challenges. Nevertheless, we can definitely recommend Glasgow as a city break because it has plenty to offer. Especially when combined with the popular Edinburgh, which is only an hour away. In this blog, we will show you what not to miss in Glasgow, from cool sights to fine hotels and fun eateries, so you are prepared for your trip!
General information about the United Kingdom
Are you planning a round trip to the UK? Then check out our tips for the best travel period and daily budget. You can find all information about United Kingdom here.
How do you travel to Glasgow?
Glasgow is easily accessible, whether you catch a plane, travel by car or plan a train adventure. Read more about the different options below:
By plane to Glasgow
For a short city break, flying is the fastest way. From Amsterdam, you fly directly to Glasgow in about two hours. Can't make it from Schiphol Airport? Then consider a flight to Edinburgh. This city is close by and is often cheaper due to a wider range of flights. From Edinburgh airport, you can travel by bus to Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station in an hour. A single ticket costs around €20.
Tip: Preferably buy your bus ticket in advance as the bus can be full.
Can you fly directly to Glasgow though? Then take the Airport Express bus to the city centre in just 15 minutes. This bus runs 24/7 and is ideal for when you need to catch an early or late flight. A ticket costs around £10.50 pounds (€16 return).
Tip: You can easily buy (day) tickets via the First Bus app. Don't want to take the Airport Express bus? Then you can opt for the regular public transport rides in Glasgow. Here you can check in contactless with your bank card for around £2 pounds.
By car to Glasgow (our favourite)
A road trip through Scotland is a great experience, and Glasgow fits the bill perfectly. Especially if you go camping, it allows you to save a lot on overnight stays, as hotels are quite pricey. Fortunately, prices in Glasgow are not as high unlike Edinburgh.
Would you rather not drive across England (about 8 hours from Dover)? Then it's best to take the ferry to northern England, you can read more about that below.
By car and boat to Glasgow
The best way is by catching the night boat from IJmuiden to Newcastle. This is not a cheap option as booking a cabin is compulsory. But... if you book on time or out of season, you can save quite a bit. Count on a few hundred euros. For a city break, this option will not be favourable in many cases, but it is very convenient for a round trip through Scotland.
From Newcastle, you can drive to Glasgow in just over 2.5 hours. Travelling by train? Then you'll take just as long! Nice bonus: you can easily stop in Edinburgh on the way. Ideal if you want to combine several cities!
By train/ Interrail to Glasgow
Scotland is a fantastic country to explore by train, even in the most remote villages and nature reserves you will come across a train station. It is therefore a big dream of ours to travel through Scotland by train one day. But anyway... how do you get there? There are several options:
Weekend away: Glasgow is easy to reach by train. Get on the direct Eurostar to London in the morning in Amsterdam (find tickets via NS International) and travel from there on a direct train to Glasgow. Buy tickets from London to Glasgow easily via the website of LNER (London North Eastern Railway).
But want to get away for longer? Then there are other options!
Luxury train journey: For a luxury train experience, check out the Belmond Royal Scotsman or The Northern Belle. These exclusive train journeys take you past breathtaking Scottish landscapes and cool cities (including Glasgow), while enjoying luxury dining and stylish compartments.
Looking for a budget-friendly option? Then Interrail an excellent choice. Although the UK is no longer part of the EU, you can still intertravel here. With the Global Pass travel to Scotland from the Netherlands or Belgium, while the One Country Pass for Britain is ideal if you only take the train within Scotland (and England). This can save you quite a bit of money! The most comprehensive pass for the UK (8 travel days within one month) is available from as little as €291. In addition, keep an eye on the Interrail discount offers for extra savings. The train from London's Euston station to Glasgow Central takes 4.5 hours. A single ticket costs around €43.
Want to travel even further through Scotland? Then check out the famous West Highland Line. It runs from Glasgow to Mallaig and is often cited as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world!
What to do in Glasgow, Scotland?
Glasgow is not a classic beauty like Edinburgh, but it definitely has its own charm. Think vibrant neighbourhoods, street art, impressive museums and cosy pubs with live music. We have compiled our best Glasgow tips into 5 clear headings, but there are over 16 tips listed! Think: must-sees, hidden gems and practical facts.
1. Stroll through the city centre and Merchant City
Glasgow city centre is a mix of Victorian buildings, modern glass towers, lively shopping streets and pretty squares. George Square, Buchanan Street and the imposing Central Station introduce you to the city's rich history. And in the photogenic side streets you will find cosy shops and trendy bars. In particular Princes Square is a particularly beautiful shopping centre.
However, should you be looking for something more authentic, you will be at the neighbouring Merchant City to the right place. Once the domain of wealthy merchants, today this is known as an atmospheric neighbourhood full of hip bars, restaurants and art galleries. Here you stroll along narrow alleys and stately warehouses that now serve as chic lofts and boutiques. Especially in the evening, it comes alive here in the many cosy pubs and cocktail bars with live music and terraces.
Tip: Want a complete guided city tour? Then check out Getyourguide or Tiqets! You can choose from many different day tours here.
2. Relax in Kelvingrove Park and visit the Kelvingrove Museum
Public transport is well organised and explanations are not needed. Nevertheless, you can also walk from the city centre to the west side of the city. Here lies the cosy Kelvingrove Park and the vibrant Argyle Street, where you can find, among other things, the Hidden Lane finds, a colourful courtyard full of galleries, shops and a teahouse.
Through the park you'll get to one of Glasgow's must-visits namely Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Like almost all museums in Scotland, this one is free. You'll find impressive natural history exhibits, but also a wide variety of art objects and collections that tell you more about Glasgow's industrial past. We found the industrial past very interesting because it helps you learn the story behind the contrasting mix of social problems and wealth you find all over the city. Also special is that there are regular free classical concerts by the conservatoire in the reception hall that you can just attend spontaneously.
Fancy even more culture? Then also visit the nearby Hunterian Museum, Hunterian Zoology Museum and the University of Glasgow
3. Explore Glasgow's cosiest district called Hillhead
The nicest neighbourhoods are often found around universities, and this is also true of Glasgow. Hillhead is really our favourite part of Glasgow and a lot more cosy than the official city centre. In particular, the main streets Byres Road and Great Western Road bursting with great shops and cosy restaurants and cafés. So be sure to read on and discover our favourite places to eat and drink.
The hidden Ashton Lane is the ‘place to be’ for many. This charming yet hidden alley is perfect for a night out. Looking for peace and quiet? Then visit the Glasgow Botanic Gardens, especially in summer, a popular spot for picnicking locals.
4. Create your own street art walking route
Glasgow is known for the many graffiti artworks you can find scattered all over the city. At this website you will find an overview including a map with all locations. Super handy, because that way you can map out your own street art route!
5. Delve deeper into (the history of) Glasgow on the edges of the city
If you still have time to spare, there are plenty of interesting places to visit on the outskirts of Glasgow.
- On the east side it lies People's Palace, a museum about the city's history. Combine this with a walk through the ancient botanical garden and a beer at the nearby WEST Brewery. You will also find nearby a very colourful market called Barras Market where you can find all sorts of unusual items. To most, it will look like a pile of junk, but should you be a collector, you might just stumble upon a gem here!
- On the west side of the city you will find the Riverside Museum, a kind of Louwman museum. In case you don't know the latter, this is the place for lovers of historic cars. If this is not your thing but whisky tasting is, you will find nearby The Clydeside Distillery, where you can book a tour and tasting for around £18.50 pounds (about €23 euros) per person.
→ Book your guided tour at The Clydeside Distillery here - Finally, on the north side you will find the medieval Glasgow Cathedral and the adjacent Necropolis, an impressive Victorian cemetery.
Should the dark side of Glasgow particularly attract you, consider the ‘Glasgow's Ghouls, Ghosts and Gruesome Tales’ evening tour given by a comedian. The tour costs £16 pounds (about €20) per person. Beforehand, you can then grab a bite to eat and enjoy a beer tasting at nearby Drygate brewery.
→ Book Glasgow's Ghouls, Ghost and Gruesome Tale evening tour here
Tip: Want to do a different whisky or beer tour? No problem on Getyourguide or Tiqets you will find multiple options!
Our favourite restaurants
Glasgow really is a great city for fine dining and culture. From Japanese ramen to traditional Scottish food, you'll find it all here. For instance, it is good to know that Glasgow has been declared a UNESCO City of Music, it is therefore bursting with pubs with live music. Below we list some of our favourite restaurants and pubs in the city:
- Òran Mór: This church, converted into a restaurant and pub, is one of Glasgow's gems; as well as good food, you can also enjoy live music here
- Inn Deep: On the River Kelvin, you will find this quaint pub that we can best describe as Berlin meets Utrecht
- Ramen Dayo: delicious Japanese food in a small restaurant above cosy Ashton Lane
- Stravaigin: a restaurant with great food, a good atmosphere and live music
- The Citizen Glasgow: one of the city's finest restaurants can be found in the heart of the city centre, where you can enjoy typical Scottish delicacies all day long
Looking for even more live music? Then also put Scotia Bar and Clutha & Victoria Bar located on the River Clyde on your list. And... we could list a hundred more restaurants and bars like that! So be sure to search Google Maps in the area where you are because... spontaneous finds are often top notch here.
Where to stay in Glasgow?
Thanks to good public transport, you can stay anywhere in the city, but the nicest neighbourhoods are Woodlands, Hillhead, City Centre and Merchant City because of the large selection of restaurants. You will find the most cosy and quiet atmosphere in the first two, with the largest selection of hotels in the last two. Accommodation in the UK and especially in the cities is expensive, so keep in mind around €150-€300 for high-end hotels, and €120-€150 for mid-range hotels. Chains like Ibis, Premier Inn and Holiday Inn are good options with regular offers. Travelling during the week? Then prices tend to be lower.
Our favourite accommodations:
- One Devonshire Gardens a Hotel Du Vin: You have to dig deep for it, but then you will have a very special stay at this 5-star boutique hotel.
- Native Glasgow: Located on George Square, you cannot find more central accommodation than this. The flats and the views are truly stunning.
- The Social Hub Glasgow: a brand new hotel with many facilities.
- Aparthotel Adagio Glasgow Central: a very good mid-range option located on the south side of the city centre.
- Motel One Glasgow: an attractive mid-range hotel right next to the central station
- Sonder at The Teacher: relatively affordable studios, useful to save e.g. breakfast costs
We hope these tips help you plan your trip to Glasgow in Scotland. Do you have any questions about this blog? Then please Countingborders or send us a message at any time via Instagram.
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